CVE-2007-5776 in i-Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in igallery.asp in Blue-Collar Productions i-Gallery 3.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via encoded backslash sequences in the d parameter, as demonstrated by a "%5c../../%5c" sequence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5776 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the i-Gallery 3.4 web application developed by Blue-Collar Productions. This security weakness exists in the igallery.asp script where user input containing encoded backslash sequences is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of the d parameter which is used to specify directory paths within the application's file system. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious input that includes encoded backslash characters represented as %5c in URL encoding, allowing them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path handling mechanisms within the i-Gallery application. When the d parameter contains sequences like "%5c../../%5c", the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs, enabling attackers to traverse directory structures and potentially access sensitive files such as configuration files, database files, or system files that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input sanitization and access control enforcement within the application's file handling routines.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing the affected i-Gallery 3.4 software. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially including user credentials, application configuration details, or other confidential information stored on the server. The impact extends beyond simple file access as attackers might be able to read system files, application source code, or database contents that could lead to further exploitation opportunities. This vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1566, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services, specifically targeting the path traversal capability to access restricted files.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through standard web browser manipulation or automated tools. Attackers typically need only to craft a URL containing the malicious encoded backslash sequences and submit it to the vulnerable application. The lack of proper input validation means that the application processes these sequences without restriction, allowing full traversal capabilities. Organizations should consider implementing multiple layers of defense including web application firewalls, proper input validation, and access control mechanisms to prevent such attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web applications updated and patched, as this issue was likely resolved in subsequent versions of the i-Gallery software through proper input sanitization and path validation implementations.